Trains delayed by downed power lines

24 November 2004

AMSTERDAM — Train travel between Utrecht and Rotterdam has resumed after a stoppage caused by a downed power line.

Dutch Rail NS had warned passengers on Wednesday to expect delays of 45 minutes or more after an Intercity train brought the overhead power lines down.

Only one side of the tracks had been in use since 12.30pm and scheduled Intercity services were cancelled. The problem was fixed by 1.45pm and services were reportedly back to normal.

Fallen power lines also temporarily halted train travel between the eastern Dutch city of Arnhem and Velp on Wednesday. The line was fixed by early afternoon and services were said to be returning to normal.

Train travel was badly disrupted in the Arnhem area on Monday after a chemical leak from a goods train made 25 people ill. Arnhem Station was evacuated for several hours as emergency personnel investigated the incident.

NS also advised passengers on Wednesday of delays of 15 minutes or more on the Dordrecht to Geldermalsen line due to a signal failure. The problem was expected to last for several hours.

Subject: Dutch news